Autumn has finally arrived… is your fall face care routine ready?
I know, that sounds a little ominous. Not trying to stress you out here, but right now is the perfect time to take a look at how you're treating your face. The things that worked for you over the summer might not be so effective in a few weeks. But fret not! I'm here with a new fall face care guide. It has everything you need to know to get your face ready for fall.

Why Is Fall Face Care Important?

There's a lot to love about fall: crisp air, beautiful foliage, sweaters, listening to people complain about how everything is pumpkin spice flavored… Who doesn't love this time of year? Your skin. That's who!

During the summer your skin is bathed in warm, humid air. This can do wonders for many people. Summer skincare is an easy-breezy collection of lightweight products. It's a great time of year. Then fall hits. The air turns dry. The winds pick up. You spend more and more time in dry, stale indoor air. The result? Dry, itchy skin and eczema flare-ups. Kind of takes the fun out of sweater weather.

Fortunately, all of this can be avoided with a few key changes to your fall face care routine. A little switch-up here and there can lead to amazing results. Here's everything you need to know to get your skin ready for fall.

Your All Natural Face Care Guide for Fall

Moisturize

As the weather gets cooler, the moisture in the air around you drops. The most effective response is to switch up your moisturizer game. First, think about what you were doing this summer. Were you using a moisturizer? If not, it's time to add one to your routine. A good, flexible oil control moisturizer works with most skin types. It's a great place to start if you're adding moisturizers to your routine. If a lightweight moisturizer was working well for you this summer, kick it up a notch. Make the switch to a thicker cream or face oil if your skin tends towards dryness. If you have oilier skin, try using your summer moisturizer during the day and a thicker moisturizer at night. Don't forget the skin around your eyes. Use a natural eye cream to protect and nourish this sensitive area throughout the season.
Finally, now is the time to indulge in face masks. Apply once or twice a week to restore lost moisture. Masks are also a great way to take a little time out for yourself as life gets more hectic in the run-up to the holidays.

Exfoliate… Carefully

Exfoliation is just as important in autumn as it is over the warmer months. Gently sloughing away dead cells can help dry, flaky skin feel a little more comfortable. It's also a good way to stimulate oil production. The key is to go easy.
Try cutting back on the number of times you exfoliate per week. For example, if exfoliating twice a week in the summer made your skin happy, try cutting back to once a week. Look for a natural exfoliant that adds back moisture as it clears dry skin. Finally, be gentle. Use your fingertips to apply a small amount of your preferred exfoliant. Massage gently - don't scrub. The idea is to let the product do the work for you.

Rethink Your Cleanser

A lightweight foaming cleanser is a must-have during the summer. Once fall arrives, though, it's time to swap it out for something a little heavier.
Foaming cleansers are great for clearing skin after a sweaty summer day. Non-foaming options offer a little more moisture leaving skin softer, healthier, and happier. Not sure if your current cleanser is right for you? Make a point to pay attention to how your skin feels after you cleanse. If it feels comfortable and nourished, you made a good choice. If it feels dry and tight, keep looking.

Shower Cautiously

A long, steamy shower may feel amazing, but it won't do your skin any favors. In fact, the opposite is true. Hot showers are extremely harsh on your skin, which is the last thing you need during the autumn months. Reduce this impact by keeping your showers short (5 to 7 minutes) and relatively cool. If you're able, try showering every other day. And no matter how often you shower, pat yourself dry instead of rubbing to reduce skin irritation and damage.

Remove Makeup Gently

Aren't those drugstore makeup remover wipes great? They do the job quickly and without any mess. Unfortunately, they're also notorious for drying out your skin. Maybe you can get away with it in the summer, but when fall comes around it's time to switch to a gentler removal method. For the best results, try a makeup remover that contains moisturizing ingredients. Aloe vera is a great one to look out for. Natural makeup removers that moisturize while cleansing do double duty, which can be just as convenient as those wipes.

Don't Forget Your Lips

Fall face care means giving your lips a little love too. This is especially important as summer turns to fall (as anyone who's suffered from chapped lips can tell you). If you haven't already, take this opportunity to establish a lip care routine. Start by using a natural lip scrub once or twice a week. Natural lip scrubs help clear away dead skin and reduce the risk of flaking or peeling. Plus, if you use a sugar-based one they taste great too. Once adequately exfoliated, your lips will get extra benefit from your lip balm. At the very least apply a layer of natural lip balm once in the morning and once before you go to bed. Keep your favorite flavor on you to reapply whenever you need a little extra moisture.

Raise Your Glass

Last but not least, it's time to up your water intake. I know, we all mean to hydrate more than we do, but right now it's more important than ever. Well moisturized skin starts from the inside. No amount of skin care product can replace what you'll get from daily hydration. Bored with what's in your bottle? Try infusing your next sip with fruit or herbs. Herbal tea is also a soothing, hydrating treat as the weather grows colder. Find what works for you, just keep drinking!

How Do You Handle Fall Face Care?

What do you do to take care of your face as fall arrives? Let us know in the comments below!